Wegovy (Semaglutide) — Subcutaneous Injection Guide

How to inject Wegovy correctly, choose injection sites, and rotate safely

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for chronic weight management in adults. It is given as a once-weekly subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injection using a pre-filled auto-injector pen. It works by mimicking the gut hormone GLP-1 to reduce appetite and slow gastric emptying.

📅 Once weekly — same day each week

Wegovy is injected once per week, preferably on the same day each week. It can be taken at any time of day, with or without food.

What to Have Ready Before Each Injection

Gather the following items before you begin. Tick each one off as you confirm it is ready.

✅ Wegovy injection checklist — tick as you gather each item

• Your Wegovy pen Confirm it is the correct dose prescribed for you. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before injecting so it reaches room temperature.
• A new needle (if your pen device requires one) Always use a new sterile needle for every injection. Never reuse needles. Ask your pharmacist which needle type is compatible with your Wegovy device.
• Alcohol wipes Used to clean the injection site beforehand if you choose to use them. Individual foil-wrapped 70% isopropyl alcohol swabs are most hygienic. Available from the pharmacy or supermarket.
• Sharps container (puncture-resistant, approved bin) Required for safe disposal of the used pen and needle after every injection. Used sharps must never go into household rubbish or recycling. Available from the pharmacy counter. Many councils offer free sharps disposal — check your local council website or pharmacy.
• Injection site diary or tracking app Record where you injected each week so you can rotate sites systematically. A simple notebook, calendar, or health app all work well.
• Insulated travel bag or cool pack (for travel days) If you need to transport your pen — to work, on a day trip, or on holiday — use an insulated bag with an ice pack or a FRIO evaporative cooling wallet. Keep the pen between 2–8°C in transit. Do not allow it to freeze.

🗑️ Sharps disposal

When your sharps container is full, seal the lid securely. Do not put it in household rubbish. Return to your pharmacy or check your local council website for the nearest free drop-off point.

Approved Injection Sites

🫃

Abdomen

The midway area of the abdomen (stomach), avoiding the 5 cm zone around the navel.

🦵

Front of Thigh

The upper and middle area of the front of the thigh — either left or right.

💪

Upper Arm

The back of the upper arm (outer area). May need assistance if self-injecting here.

How to Inject – Step by Step

1

Prepare

Wash hands thoroughly. Remove pen from the refrigerator 30 minutes before use to reach room temperature.

2

Check the pen

Check the expiry date and inspect the medication — it should be clear and colourless. Do not use if cloudy or discoloured.

3

Select site

Choose an injection site and clean the skin with an alcohol swab. Allow to dry fully before injecting.

4

Pinch and inject

Pinch a fold of skin (1–2 inches). Insert the needle at 90° and press the injection button. Do not rub the site afterwards.

5

Hold for 6 seconds

Keep the pen pressed against the skin for at least 6 seconds after clicking to ensure the full dose is delivered.

6

Rotate and dispose

Use a new injection site each week. Dispose of the used pen in a sharps container — never recap a used needle.

Injection Site Rotation

Rotating injection sites is essential to prevent lipohypertrophy (hard, fatty lumps under the skin that impair medication absorption). A good rotation strategy:

• Divide each injection area into zones and move through them systematically.

• Do not inject into the same spot within the same area for at least 4 weeks.

• Do not inject into areas that are bruised, hard, scarred, or tender.

• You can inject into the same general site each week, but always move to a different spot within that area.

💡 Tip: Keep an injection diary

Note where you injected each week. A simple diagram or app tracking your rotation sites can help prevent over-use of one area.

Storage

• Refrigerate unused pens at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze.

• A pen in use can be stored at room temperature (up to 30°C) for up to 28 days.

• Keep away from direct heat, sunlight, and out of reach of children.

Reference Graphic

Wegovy injection sites: abdomen, thigh, and upper arm — see panel 7 of the Arami resource guide

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Questions about Wegovy or your weight management plan?

Book a review appointment to monitor your progress and optimise your treatment.

Medical Disclaimer
This information is general in nature and does not replace the manufacturer's instructions or your prescriber's advice. Always refer to the Patient Information Leaflet provided with your medication and follow the instructions of your healthcare provider.